Sport-Sporting bodies move to ban Russian athletes amid invasion of Ukraine

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continued, sporting bodies moved to bar Russian athletes from competing in international events, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommending a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials.

Athletes from Ukraine and other nations had called on the IOC to take action after Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea last week following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin.

The IOC said on Monday its executive board made the decision "in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants".

The Russian Olympic Committee categorically disagreed with the IOC, saying the decision "contradicts both the regulatory documents of the IOC and the (Olympic) Charter".

The IOC's statement came shortly before the Winter Paralympics, which start in Beijing on Friday. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will meet on Wednesday to discuss Russia ahead of the Games.

FIFA SET TO SUSPEND RUSSIA

Following IOC's statement, a source told Reuters that soccer's governing body FIFA is set to suspend Russia's national teams from international football until further notice.

FIFA is in advanced talks with European soccer body UEFA over the matter and a decision could be made later on Monday.

Meanwhile, European soccer governing body UEFA is also due to hold a meeting, at 1800 CET on Monday, to decide on several issues relating to Russian football.

Several soccer federations have said they would not play matches against Russia, with the United States, Scotland and Ireland the latest to join the list.

EVENTS CALLED OFF

Badminton's world governing body (BWF) cancelled all sanctioned tournaments in Russia and Belarus, adding that no